Hillary Clinton asked about Keystone pipeline in Vancouver appearance

Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton speaks to students at the University of California Los Angeles on Wednesday, March 5, 2014. Clinton spoke to a sold-out crowd at Vancouver's Queen Elizabeth Theatre the same evening.

Photograph by: Nick Ut
, AP Photo

Hillary Rodham Clinton will share her opinions about the growing political crisis in the Ukraine. And she speaks freely about her cautious hopes for the United States' thawing relationship with Iran.

Just don't ask her about the Keystone pipeline.

Frank McKenna, former Canadian Ambassador to the United States, tried Wednesday night and was met with a polite "No comment."

The former U.S. Secretary of State says it would be wrong for her to comment on a topic that is currently under consideration by her successor John Kerry.

But no sooner had Clinton refused comment than she went on to discuss the need for "greater symmetry" between the United States and Canada's electric grids and oil and gas supply lines.

"We have tremendous opportunities to be energy dependent... energy secure," she said. This is what the Western Hemisphere should push for as a way to protect our economies in the event of instability in other parts of the world.

Clinton made the remarks at the sold-out Queen Elizabeth Theatre after a speech sponsored by the Board of Trade. Smiling, relaxed and wearing a trademark pantsuit, the true theme of the evening was the advancement of women in the workforce and government.

She started with the economic argument backed by studies, facts and figures showing that countries succeed when women are encouraged to participate in business and politics.

"Where women lack the opportunity to fully participate in their countries, their economies suffer."

And she spoke of the power of women to push politically for peace.

As a seasoned political veteran, she offered practical words of advice and encouragement to all women starting out in their careers. "You're going to get knocked down. You're going to be disappointed."

When that happens, she said, "Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and keep on going."

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Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton speaks to students at the University of California Los Angeles on Wednesday, March 5, 2014. Clinton spoke to a sold-out crowd at Vancouver's Queen Elizabeth Theatre the same evening.

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